Prologue
December 5, 1996
The words hit him like a punch in the gut. Well, more like the butt of a Sig, if he's going to be honest.
I want a divorce.
Tony blinks at Wendy for a moment, not quite believing what he's hearing. Then he realizes her expression and knows she's serious.
"A..a divorce? But..why? Wen, what's wrong? Did I do-"
His wife smiles at him sadly.
"It was nothing you did, Tone.", she says softly. "You're an amazing person and a better father. I just..I don't think I want to be married anymore. I don't know if I ever really did." Her soft green eyes fill with tears and she has to take a breath before continuing. "You deserve better than my doubts."
He can feel anger and sadness burning behind his eyes, but he refuses to let it surface.
"What about the kids, Wendy?" he asks her. "Am I just supposed to say we got sick of each other? Did you even consider how this is going to affect them?"
She looks hurt, and he can't help but feel proud of that. Doesn't she realize she's going to tear his world, their kids' world apart? What are they supposed to do without her?
"I'll...I'll explain the best I can. They deserve to know the truth, even if I'm made out to be the bad guy."
She sighs. "I'm sorry Tony."
Wendy stands and slowly slips her rings off. Picking up his hand, she closes his fingers around them and gives him one last sad smile.
Tony stares at the bits of metal and jewel as his heart, his life, walks out the front door.